On the beat

Marianna rocks out

As part of a Summer Music Series, the Marianna Black Library presents an evening of acoustic classic rock with Twelfth Fret at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, in Bryson City.

From Jackson County, Twelfth Fret are an acoustic duo that performs vintage rock, retro classic rock and pop with Americana flair. The duo’s music includes covers versions of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, John Prine, Eagles, REM, and Tom Petty.

This program is free and open to area residents and visitors. Plus, snacks and refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Marianna Black Library.

The library is located in downtown Bryson City at the corner of Academy and Rector. For more information or driving directions, call the library at 828.488.3030 or visit www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity.

Concerts on the Creek

Popular Western North Carolina rock/funk act Porch 40 will perform during Concerts on the Creek at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, in downtown Sylva. The event is free and open to the public. Lyric (rock/soul) will play Aug. 25.

World music program in Franklin

The Ubuntu Choir will perform a concert of music from around the world on at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, at the First Presbyterian Chapel in Franklin.

Founded in 2009 and directed by Tom Tyre, the Ubuntu Choir joyfully sings a cappella music from diverse traditions and cultures. Sunday’s program includes songs from Cameroon, Hawaii, Korea, Russia, South Africa, United Kingdom, and other countries. There’s even a song about darkness in anticipation of Monday’s eclipse.

Admission is by donation; $5 is suggested. The chapel is on Church Street at Harrison Avenue; wheelchair access is from the First Presbyterian Church parking lot.

This event is produced by the Arts Council of Macon County with funding from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Join Bryson City community jam

A community music jam will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.

Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer, anything unplugged, are invited to join. Singers are also welcomed to join in or you can just stop by and listen. The jam is facilitated by Larry Barnett of Grampa’s Music in Bryson City.

The music jams are offered to the public each first and third Thursday of the month — year-round. This program received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment of the Arts.

• Groovin’ on the Green (Cashiers) will host Julie Gribble (Americana) Aug. 18 and Sundown (classic hits) Aug. 25 at The Village Green. All shows are free and begin at 6:30 p.m. www.visitcashiersvalley.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night Aug. 16 and 23, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo Aug. 17 and 24. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

• The Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Cherokee) will host a back porch old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 19. All are welcome to come play or simply sit and listen to the sounds of southern Appalachia.

• Pickin’ in the Park (Canton) will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 18 and 25 at the Recreation Park. Free and open to the public. www.cantonnc.com.